Pixar 1 Chaser!

Pixar 1 Chaser, thanks to Sophie in the UK (click image below to see it)

Thoughts?

WDWNT: The Magazine Issue 16 Released

We’re happy to announce the release of issue 16 of WDWNT: The Magazine. This is clearly turning out to be the Summer of Disney.  Although the calendar may not agree, the Disney Summer kicked off with The Avengers, and now hits the highest of high points with the opening of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street.  The transformation of Disney California Adventure has been nothing short of spectacular, and it’s given us fans something to enjoy for years to come.

With that in mind, this issue summarizes WDWNT’s coverage of the Grand Re-Opening of DCA.  We also take the opportunity to look at some of Disney’s other large projects, such as the newest DVC resort, Aulani, and Pixar’s latest film, Brave.  We also cover a diverse range of other topics such as Disney voice actors, a look at a Disney Wedding, ticket prices over the years, attempting the ultimate Avengers marathon, and finally, a look at the tremendous work being done by Give Kids the World.

We hope that you will find the articles within both entertaining and educational.  If you have any suggestions or feedback, we are always happy to hear from our readers.  Just send an email to WDWNTthemagazine@wdwnt.com and share your thoughts.

As a reminder, the magazine is available in digital form from our website (http://www.wdwntthemagazine.com) or in printed form from MagCloud (http://www.magcloud.com).  If you like what you read, please share it with your friends.

First Look at Magic Kingdom Map Including New Fantasyland and Cast Member Costumes

So, we have a bit of a New Fantasyland exclusive for you today…

Here’s our very first look at what the Magic Kingdom map will look like in a few weeks when the next phases of the expansion open. Notice that the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train will be on the map despite not opening until 2014. Not earth-shattering news, but still kind of cool. Now let’s look at the cast member costumes that will populate the land:

Storybook Circus merchandise (Big Top Souvenirs)

Daytime busser and server at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Daytime and evening greeter at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Food and beverage (food carts and small vendors)

Fantasyland Forest merchandise (Bonjour Village Gifts and smaller locations)

Attractions (Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train)

Character Attendant (YES! No generic costume for this section of the park!)

While not our most exciting update on New Fantasyland, I’m glad to see thought going into cast costuming as many usually complain that they have gotten more generic over the years. These costumes will fit nicely into the land and I can’t wait to see them in-person! What do you think?

Very Merry Sorcerers Card

A new Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card will be available exclusively at the Magic Kingdom’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year.

Guests must show their party ticket and wristband at the Firehouse to receive the free card. It features Wayne and Lanny from Disney Channel’s popular Prep and Landing Christmas special. Make sure you print out our Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card checklist before you head out to the parks.

Port Orleans Riverside Glistens with New Beauty After Remodel

The lobby at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside reopened this summer following a two-month renovation. The fresh new look includes new tile, colorful rugs, decorative period lighting and new furniture.  This  2,048-room resort depicts the lifestyle of the great Old South with wandering paths, picturesque waterways and the sounds of Cajun music, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside includes mansion-style accommodations and rustic retreats. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Two colorful new rugs decorate the lobby at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. The design is part of a recent lobby renovation that included a new check-in,  new tile, furniture and decorative fixtures evocative of the period.  The new design scheme showcases the essence of the South. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside showcases new lighting fixtures, reflecting the romance of the South, as part of its recent lobby renovation. The moderate resort has a fresh new look in its expansive lobby. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

2013 Poster Series Release Dates… Maybe?

Disney announced something… I know that’s not specific but here are the details. According to the events calender on vinylmation.com there will be a release of a “2013 Series – 3-inch figure (Open Edition / Retail: $12.95)” on December 28th at D-Streets. They also have a January 11th release of a similar figure for the online Disney Store. We are assuming that means this is the first (and maybe second) release of the 13 2013 Poster figures we saw at Mickey’s Circus (seen above). Only, at Mickey’s Circus, they said there would be a limited edition of 2013 for each figure, not open edition like the website says. Maybe the website meant open box. We’ll follow up and give out more information as it becomes available. 
Right now the events page is full of mistakes. They can’t even spell December correctly.

If You Had Three Wishes…

If you had a magic lamp, what three Vinylmation would you wish for? This new 2013 Daruma Wishes 3″ Genie Vinylmation from Japan sure conjures magical imagery.

It is also a bit on the mysterious side. We do know it has been released in Japan and is listed at the online Japan Disney Store for 1,200 Yen. But we have some questions from the artwork. Can anyone tell us what the idea with the eyes is? The close up bubble shows a black eye dot drawn in. Is it a customizable option on the figure? Let us know what your thoughts are. I think the lamp drawn onto the feet with the Genie rising up above is great, but the facial design isn’t as appealing as the Park 11 Genie in my opinion. Oh, and my answer to the question posed above?

1. Osborne 2009
2. Cinderella’s 60th
3. Wall-E

Say Aloha New Vinylmation!

A few news and notes out of Hawaii. The release date for the Aulani figures we saw previewed at Mickey’s Circus have appeared on Disney’s Events page. Disney has two figures listed and call them both “Minnie” but we are going to assume one is supposed to be “Mickey.” A misprint is a safe assumption since they also say “open edition” with an LE number of 1,500 right next to it AND a price tag of $24.95 which is ridiculous for a 3 inch figure. They also list them under the “Disneyland” section, but we believe they are an Aulani Resort in Hawaii specific (again, based on info given to us at Mickey’s Circus). AND, one more caveat, Aulani is a DVC resort so we are not sure if you must show your DVC membership or not to purchase these. Ok, enough explaining… here is what they look like…

We have also seen pictures from various sources of a wonderful 3″ Minnie Mouse with a grass skirt accessory.

As you can see, she comes in a beautiful Hawaii themed tin. It seems this figure was unceremoniously released on October 29, 2012 and is only available at the Ala Moana Shopping Center Mall on Oahu, Hawaii.

Pirates Come Ashore for Christmas

On December 21, 2012 the long awaited Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides open window series will be released at D-Streets. They will cost $14.95 each and are open edition. We first saw the concept art for this series back in 2011.